Former Labour councillor says party ‘in crisis’

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Written by Avril Horan

Wednesday, 05 September 2007

Former Labour Councillor Catherine Connolly has ruled out a return to the party following the resignation of Pat Rabbitte two weeks ago.

Cllr Connolly resigned from the party late last year and has opted to remain as an independent councillor. Despite an upcoming change in leadership, Cllr Connolly said she would not be returning to the party ranks. She has hit out at the lack of open debate in the leadership contest, saying the party is “in crisis”.

“I am very disappointed,” said Cllr Connolly. “A golden opportunity has been missed. There should have been a debate over what the Labour party is about. This has been pre-empted by prominent TDs who immediately came out to back a particular candidate. The Labour party has lost its soul by identifying themselves with Fine Gael,” she said.

East Galway native, Éamon Gilmore is the front-runner to take over the reigns as the new party leader. He has the backing of Galway West Deputy Michael D Higgins.

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